House Republicans called earmarks symbols of fiscal decay when they swore them off completely in March. Candidates from both parties are now pledging, if elected, to never get near one. But as Republicans prepare for a possible takeover of the House next year, earmarks have emerged as a point of contention within the party. The House Republican agenda, made no mention of these special spending provisions—a silence critics seized on as a sign that House Republicans plan to begin using them...
Read more …House Republicans called earmarks symbols of fiscal decay when they swore them off completely in March. Candidates from both parties are now pledging, if elected, to never get near one. But as Republicans prepare for a possible takeover of the House next year, earmarks have emerged as a point of contention within the party. The House Republican agenda, made no mention of these special spending provisions—a silence critics seized on as a sign that House Republicans plan to begin using them again.
What do you think? Should earmarks be permanently retired, or can they be used selectively to accomplish political goals without wasting taxpayer money?
